Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Chester County, PA

Title Page for Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Chester County Pennsylvania

Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Chester County, Pennsylvania – comprising a historical sketch of the county, by Samuel T. Wiley, together with more than five hundred biographical sketches of the prominent men and leading citizens of the county.

Some Descendants of Thomas Rowley of Windsor, Connecticut

Some descendants of Thomas Rowley of Windsor Connecticut

Some descendants of Thomas Rowley of Windsor. Thomas Rowley. Thomas Rowley (Rowell) a cordwainer, was in Windsor Connecticut as early as 1662, and Simsbury Connecticut by 1670. He died 1 May, 1705/8, estate inventory dated 1 May 1708. Married at Windsor, 5 May, 1669 by Rev. Wolcott, Mary Denslow, daughter of Henry, Windsor, born 10 Aug. 1651, died at Windsor 14 June, 1739, ae 91. Mary was admitted to Windsor Church in 1686. Thomas served in the Colonial Wars. On the list of those who gave to the poor. Contents: Book Notes:

Abstracts of Wills on File in the City of New York Surrogate’s Office 1660-1680

Sample Last Will and Testament

Abstracts of wills on file in the surrogate’s office city of New York 1660-1680. From May 1787 to the present, county surrogate’s courts have recorded probates. However, the court of probates and court of chancery handled estates of deceased persons who died in one county but who owned property in another. An 1823 law mandated that all probates come under the jurisdiction of the county surrogate’s courts. Each surrogate’s court has a comprehensive index to all probate records, including the unrecorded probate packets. Interestingly enough, there are wills existing and on record at the Surrogate’s Office in New York City for the time-span of 1660-1680. Genealogical extracts of these wills have been provided below.

1899 Directory for Middleboro and Lakeville Massachusetts

1899 Middleboro and Lakeville Massachusetts Directory Cover

Resident and business directory of Middleboro’ and Lakeville, Massachusetts, for 1899. Containing a complete resident, street and business directory, town officers, schools, societies, churches, post offices, notable events in American history, etc. Compiled and published by A. E. Foss & Co., Needham, Massachusetts. The following is an example of what you will find within the images of the directory: Sheedy John, laborer, bds. J. G. Norris’, 35 West Sheehan John B., grocery and variety store, 38 West, h. do. Sheehan Lizzie O., bds. T. B. Sheehan’s, 16 East Main Sheehan Lucy G. B., bds. T. B. Sheehan’s, 16 East Main … Read more

A History of Washington Valley New Jersey

Washington Valley plotted from earliest available deeds

In 1949 a committee came together to prepare a history of Washington Valley New Jersey. From its origins as a settlement in 1749 through the pivotal moments of the Revolutionary War and into the nineteenth century, they delve into the lives of the early families who once called this valley home. Despite the challenges of piecing together a fragmented historical record, their endeavor aims to illuminate the valley’s heritage, drawing on a diverse array of sources, from land deeds and wills to personal anecdotes and genealogical research. This book is free to read or to download as a PDF.

A History of Sayville, New York

Map of Sayville, New York, in 1858

In the heart of Suffolk County, New York, lies a village with a history as rich as the soil upon which it stands. “A History of Sayville, New York,” penned by Clarissa Edwards in 1935, is an invaluable chronicle that sheds light on the early days of this often-overlooked locale. Published by the Suffolk County News Press, this work is a testament to the enduring spirit of Sayville, a village that has woven itself into the fabric of American history, yet remains scarcely mentioned in conventional historical texts.

Will of Thurston Raynor – 1667

THURSTON RAYNOR, Southampton. “I, Thurston Raynor, being in perfect memory, yet stricken in age, and not knowing how long my dayes shall continue in this world, do make this my last will and testament.” Leaves to son Joseph 28 acres of land “coming to me from the Towne,” upon the last Division, which is already laid out to his own proportion in said Division. To son Jonathan one-half of all housing and lands, when he comes to the age of twenty-one. Leaves to wife, Martha, the use of the other half for life, and then to go to his son … Read more

Raynor, Alfred D. – Obituary

Alfred D. Raynor, 54, died July 5, 1995 at his home in Homestead. There will be a family memorial service at a home in Nampa, Idaho, on July 28. Mr. Raynor was born May 14, 1941, in Wilmore, Kansas, to Clifford and Edith Raynor. He was raised and educated at Nampa, Idaho. He served his country in the U. S. Navy from 1959 to 1963. He married Sharon Kathleen Wiggins on September 4, 1962, at Fresno, California. They came to Baker City from Nampa, Idaho, in 1986. Mr. Raynor had worked as an inspector for the Union Pacific Railroad. He … Read more